It was a family affair, and we’re grateful to Joseph and Claire for taking the family on an amazing vacation that included a seven-day cruise, adventurous excursions and breathtaking scenery. We saw many, many things … but we didn’t see Russia — go figure!

Amir enjoyed himself too. In fact, he and his young cousins impressed all of us with their adaptability.

There are LOTS of photos to share, and some are still in their editing phase so I will post the second set in about a week.

Lastly, kudos to my husband, photographer extraordinaire, who has a great eye for the aesthetic. Below are images from Seattle, Juneau and Hubbard Glacier. Stay tuned for photos from Alaska cities Sitka and Ketchikan; Victoria, British Columbia; and Seattle again.

So it was fitting for Ben and me to celebrate Little Man’s first year of life. It was also our Thank You to Amir for raising us while we raised him. And our dear friends and family were there to share in our joy and gratitude.

Sure, he wobbled a bunch at first, thus making it seem as though he had a bit too much to drink, but in a matter of days — and after lots of practice — he looks like a pro. In fact, his balance and confidence has grown since this video was taken earlier in the week. (Speaking of the video, it’s my first attempt at creating a clip in iMovie, so I hope you enjoy it.)

We’re so proud of this kid. He rewards Ben and I each day with his smiles, giggles, gibberish, and, yes, even tantrums. We can’t believe that less than a year ago Amir hadn’t yet seen the world. And now he’s walking all over it!

Amir’s frequent bouts of laughter aren’t only amusing, they’re proof of his cognitive development. He’s learning to relate! And as his mommy, I’m overjoyed to see that he’s having fun doing so.

Little Man’s increasing mobility has contributed to the maturity. But most impressive is the fact that he not only knows how to move around, he knows how to get around too. Amir’s brilliant little brain remembers the layout of the house now. He knows where his toys are (living room), where his bedroom is (upstairs) and where his food can be found (kitchen, of course).

So imagine our surprise — and amusement — when our kid made his way into the kitchen to help himself to a slice (or three) of honey wheat. Unbeknownst to us, we had a bread burglar on our hands.

Oh, son, your cuteness should be a felony. Really.

Little Man showed his grandparents just how much he’s matured compared to the last time they saw him in person (back when he was born). Now he can feed himself cheese puffs, crawl, cruise and laugh. Boy, can he laugh — especially when he’s so tired he’s close to delirium — check out the video and see for yourself.

The threesome crammed in a good amount of quality time together while G.G. and Dada were visiting from California. And after a tornado damaged Lambert Airport and delayed passenger flights, the Gandhi-Shepards benefited from an extra day with the grandparents.

Now we’re waiting for their next trip out to St. Louis. Amir has got so much more to show them!

When he was around 9 months old, Little Man’s newest fascination was a long cardboard box. He batted at the flaps, climbed on top of it, looked inside and, eventually, crawled right through.

The open box was his tunnel to a faraway land (better known as the foyer), and he used it to escape the living room (where we sometimes contain him) many, many times.

Of course, that fascination petered out as quickly as it grew. But we documented his curiosity, so that when he’s older, with a mind too complex to notice the wonder in a cardboard box, we’ll encourage him to look again.

You were extraordinary, and we wonder: How’d you get to be such a brilliant, loving cat? Who taught you how to be so awesome? Ben found you and your sister under a skateboard ramp nearly a decade ago, and he named you after his favorite character in his favorite movie: Lewis from Ghostbusters.

We will remember the way you rushed to us as we stepped foot in the house, meowing and wriggling at our feet for attention. We will also remember the countless times you patiently sat in front of us, head slightly cocked and your golden eyes staring at the bowl of ice cream in our hands — the bowl of ice cream you knew would be set in front of you if you waited … just … a while … longer.

Why couldn’t you live for another 10 years so we could’ve cuddled a while longer? And so Amir had the chance to run around with — or, more accurately after — you?

We’re sorry you weren’t feeling well for the past couple weeks; we wish we had the power to heal you. We wish, we wish. But today you went to a better place, where your soul is free of pain. And we will keep you alive in our hearts for eternity. We love you, buddy.

Dear God,
Keep him safe
Let him hug your feet
Give him an abundance of love
and plenty of treats.

Lewis from St. Louis
2002 – 2011

As any parent, we try to get the kid to laugh all the time — and there are times we’re unsuccessful. So imagine our excitement when we were able to coax some giggles out of him and caught it all on video! Tickle time with Amir elicits such loud, joyous laughter it’s as if the cats even stop and take notice. It’s a sound that Ben and I will never, ever tire of.